Experimental SKYWARN Basic Training Webinar

 The Experimental Training is designed for only those living in the Mt. Holly Forecast Area

On March 22nd from 7pm-9pm the NWS will be conducting an experimental SKYWARN Basic Training Webinar.  SKYWARN is the National Weather Service program of trained volunteer weather spotters.  Since the program started in the 1970's, the information provided by SKYWARN spotters, coupled with Doppler radar technology, improved satellite and other data, has enabled NWS to issue more timely and accurate warning for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods.

Preparing The Whole Community

"At every level of government there is recognition, there is no single entity of any ilk who has sufficient resources to meet every need during disasters…. The challenge is, all of this planning that I've talked about at every level, depends on individual resiliency, individual capability. The recognition of the fact that we need to drive towards a culture that has survivorship, not victimhood as its primary target. Recognizing that there are only one responder per 350 people in urban areas, and when you go beyond the urban areas the numbers are even less and less…"

                                                                -W. Russ Webster
                                                     Federal Preparedness Coordinator FEMA Region 1                     

Disaster volunteers, please curb your enthusiasm!

"In the wake of every U.S. disaster there is an influx of people who want to help, and the situation in the Midwest and Southeast after last week's deadly tornadoes is no exception. But to many of the early arrivals who parachute in to help, disaster relief experts have a message: yes please, but not so fast."

In this msnbc.com article by Kari Huus the problem of unaffiliated volunteers rushing to a disaster scene with the intention of helping, but who may in fact create additional problems for emergency responders is accurately addressed . This is why CERT training is so valuable for a community. It eliminates the all the paper work required for registration and form filling because CERT volunteers are already trained, should have a pre-established plan, and know how to organize within their community ensuring an effective response and recovery.

  

John Sommers Ii / Reuters

 Volunteers from the Henryville United Methodist Church collect and distribute food and supplies
to tornado victims on Monday, days after tornados ripped through the small community of Henryville, Indiana.



Free CERT Class offering in May

Practucal portion of fire safety module

Community emergency Response Team (CERT) training educates people about disaster preparedness for a variety of hazards. This is a two day (approximately 13 hours) program divided between class room and practical applications that educates people about disaster preparedness for a variety of hazards and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team cohesion, and disaster medical operations including a CPR/AED certification.

Using the training provided CERT members can assist others in their community or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. Once someone has taken a CERT class and ops in to our mailing list we keep them informed of upcoming volunteer and training opportunities within the area.

  

Medical Operations/Triage practical portion



This is a great class for individuals, civic associations, clubs or businesses. Meals will be provided and all calss participants will recieve a FREE CERT bag filled with the basics every CERT team member should have!

CERT members practicing their seach and rescue skills

The next Class is:
Friday May 11th, 5-9pm
Sat. May 12th, 8am-5pm
Location: Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety building in New Castle, DE

To register email citizencorps@nccde.org
or call (302) 395-2700